THE FREEDOM ISSUE Vol

Home , Freedom (NCIS), Let Freedom Reign

THE FREEDOM ISSUE Vol. 93, No.4 • February 2014 • Lakewood High School • 14100 Franklin Blvd. • Lakewood, OH 44107 www.lakewoodtimes.net Contents Letter from the editor Times Editorial Policy Times staff 2013/2014 Editor Contributors As preservers of democracy, our schools shall Matt Morgenstern Brett Brown protect, encourage, and enhance free speech and the Emily Suleiman exchange of ideas as a means of protecting our Amer- Assistant Editor Maggie Jawhari ican way of life. The Times and its staff are protected Robert Searles by, and bound to, the principles of the First Amend- Emily Houska ment and other protections and limitations afforded by the Constitution and the various court decisions Sports Editor Editorial Board Members implementing those principles. It is the mission of The Lakewood Times, the of- Aaron Morit Olivia Rinehart ficial newsmagazine of Lakewood High School, to Brandon Reid serve as a public forum that promotes the gathering and exchange of ideas, and uphold high journalistic Photography Editor Jacklyn Voll standards for the purpose of enriching the lives of our Veronica Gordon Kelton Greenwood readers. The Times is established as an open forum for Ashley Hirsch student expression and as a voice in the uninhibited, Adviser Emily Skeans free and open discussion of issues. The Times will not be reviewed or restrained prior to publication. Dennis Ebner Mackenzie Rivera Content of the Times, therefore, reflections only the views of the student staff or individual students and not school officials. Students may use online media to educate, inform, and entertain their readers. Both the Mandela profile...... 4 school and the cyber community are entitled to the same protections and subject to the same freedoms and responsibilities, as all other student media out- lined in this policy. Online media are forums for self- Local heroes...... expression and are similar to traditional media, in 5 their freedoms, responsibilities, and professional ob- Civil rights?...... 6 ligations. As such they will not be subject to prior review or restraint. Student journalists may use online Black history month...... 7 media to report news and information, to communi- cate with other students and individuals, to question Teen dating violence...... 8 and consult with experts, and to locate material, to meet their newsgathering and research needs. Successful TV shows...... 9 The Times, and staff, will strive to avoid publish- ing any material determined by student editors or the student editorial board to be unprotected, that is, Lakewood Project...... 10 material that is libelous, obscene, materially disrup- tive of the school process, an unwarranted invasion New Years...... 11 of privacy, a violation of copyright laws or electronic 12 manipulations changing the essential truth of the The science of coffee...... photo or illustrations. Other obligations can be found Klub Korner...... 13 in the handbook available to each student. The Times adviser will not act as a censor. If questions arise over specific copy as defined within this policy, student journalists will seek the advice of the communications attorney from the Stu- Michelle Knight...... 14 dent Press Law Center. The Times editorial board as Academic stresses...... a whole will be responsible for determining editorial 15 opinions, which represent the opinions of a major- The Phoenix...... 16 ity of the editorial board. No single member of the Times can be held responsible for editorial content Book reviews...... 18 decisions. The Times is a tool in the learning process of journalism and operates as a learning laboratory. Campbell’s review...... 20 Any student may be a member of the staff, with or without prior journalism experience or enrollment Carnicero review...... 21 on the staff for credit. As a forum for student expres- Wicked review...... 22 sion, the Times will publish all letters to the editor, provided they are 300 words or less and contain the Chicago review...... 23 author’s name, house, and address. On occasion, we will publish letters using the “name withheld” pro- Whose fault is it?...... 24 viding the Times editor, or a team editor, knows the author’s identity. Athletic director...... 25 We reserve the right to withhold a letter or col- umn and return it for more information if we deter- Sarah Neff...... 26 mine it contains items of unprotected speech as de- Grace Hinslea-Burke...... 27 fined by this policy. Letters will be edited for spelling and grammar. Should a letter contain errors in fact, Zach Moran...... 28 excessive grammatical errors or be too long, it will be returned to the author for re submission. Dead- Tori Milicevic...... 29 lines for letters and columns will be no later than ten days before the next publication date. The Times may Mike Angers...... 30 choose to report student, staff, faculty, and alumnus deaths as he editorial board is made aware of them. John Liber...... 31 We reserve the right to decide not to cover a death based on relevance, timeliness and circumstances. In cases where the editorial board decided not to cover death, letters to the editor in regard to that death could be printed. All cover signatures courtesy of person’s official website/foundations 2 contents The Lakewood Times Letter from the editor Dear readers, Did you know that right now a myriad of tas well as the current pervasive invalida- human injustices are committed around the tion of liberties that run rampant through- A neighborhood shop.... globe due to prejudices, sexism, racism, out the globe. It’s probable that there are A world of treasures! and practical civil rights infringements? persons in Lakewood that believe in such You probably do. illegalities in personal freedoms, whether “Freedom!” as sung by Aretha Franklin, it’s expression, ideology, or even genetic is the primary theme of this publication - - inheritances. propagating the advocates of civil rights, Simply put, there isn’t much more to 15106 Detroit Avenue say about the subject. It’s an indescrib- honoring their legacies, and highlighting Lakewood,OH the infrastructures of what exactly makes able entity -- a field of human existence a freedom fighter. There are a myriad of that has a humane element. It is fought for 216-529-2328 facets to production, mainly of an histori- famously by select individuals such as the cal variety, but are nonetheless pertinent to late Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King Open 7 days/week each and every involved citizen. Jr., and Mahatmas Gandhi, among others. This is not a nationalistic or a pro- So next time you hear about one Like us on facebook! American issue. This magazine is simply of these individuals, remember the neces- a celebration of democratic rudiments -- sary deification of these persons, and the something that holds firm and sound the elongated thing they fight for which has theories of an egalitarian republic. Thusly, been equally opposed and contested. 5 it’s important that one is aware of the pas-

Best regards, Matt Morgenstern

A Harper’s Weekly

illustration from 1864 depicting the liberation of a slave plantation. Photo courtesy of sonofthesouth.net

February 2014 3 Nelson Mandela: Apartheid’s “Goodfella”

between he and Cameron. Nonetheless, political strife By Matt Morgenstern was momentarily strived in fa- 1913 to 2013 vor of celebrating Mandela. By now, one must know of the deceased state of for- French President François Hol- mer South African president lande, Danish Prime Minister and anti-apartheid visionary Helle Thorning-Schmidt, U2’s Nelson Mandela. The man that Bono, South African-born ac- President Obama honored as tress Charlize Theron, and an- “the last great liberator” in a ti-apartheid activist Desmond memorial speech on Dec. 8 Tutu were also present. passed away following months Thusly stands a partial lega- of health complications during cy of Nelson Mandela, a man, the night of Dec. 5. who according to CNN, less The history of Mandela is famously enjoyed boxing, tripe one often recanted throughout (the stomach lining of farm periods of discussing peace- animals), was a natural appear- ful resilience -- his imprison- ance con during Apartheid, ment in abysmal conditions at had a prehistoric woodpecker Robben Island for nearly two named after him, and appeared decades, his ascension to the in Spike Lee’s 1992 film Mal- presidency while working with colm X. However, it ought to former-South African president be duly noted that Mandela’s F. W. de Klerk to bring an end immense influence on world to apartheid and an inception affairs cannot be simply encap- of democratic procedures in sulated in some practical pas- South Africa during the 1990s, sages. and additionally his fight to Nonetheless, an attempt maintain the logistics of South can be made at doing such by Africa through the scope of using the myriad of quotes that rugby during the 1995 World obituary for Nelson Mandela is Xhosa), had six children with he, like Martin Luther King Jr., Cup, which was fictionalized in page-space. As such, it may be two wives, 17 grandchildren Thomas Jefferson, and Benny the 2009 film Invictus, starring nice for one to peek over the from five of the aforementioned Franklin before him, propagat- Morgan Freeman as Mandela. numerous texts scribed by and offspring, and 14 great-grand- ed to a biblical extent. On free- The film, which also starred about Nelson Mandela during children from 10 of the previ- dom, the underpinning of his Matt Damon, went on to gar- his existence, all which roll in ously mentioned grandchildren, works, Mandela was quoted as ner some $120 million at the tandem with Benjamin Frank- therefore establishing his lega- saying, “Let freedom reign. The box office (according to Box lin’s autobiography, The Nar- cy as a fruitful patriarch. sun never set on so glorious a Office Mojo), and earned Free- rative of the Life of Frederick Additionally, the fatherly human achievement.” man and Damon a herd of ac- Douglass by Douglass himself, figure was held in reverence by The Nelson Mandela colades. However, Invictus was and the writings of Anne Frank. his political contemporaries. Foundation still works the aims not the only film to dramatize Mandela’s autobiography Long At his Johannesburg memo- and maxims of Mandela to this Mandela’s existence. Danny Walk to Freedom, the image- rial, The Johannesburg Times day since its inception in June Glover, Sidney Poitier, Den- accompanied The Illustrated reported that some 70 presi- 1999. Its programs such as nis Haybert, David Harewood, Long Walk to Freedom, and his dents, prime ministers, and the Dialogue of Justice, work- Terrence Howard, and more partnership with Fidel Castro royalty were present. Barack ings with the Nelson Mandela recently in 2013’s Mandela: in creating How Far We Slaves Obama delivered his previous- Children’s Fund and Nelson Long Walk to Freedom, Idris Have Come! all demonstrate ly-mentioned oration (although Mandela Institute for Education Elba in a Golden-Globe nomi- the idiosyncrasies of Mandela. coupled with slight mudding by and Rural Development (among nated performance, all have Aside from the numerous Castro and signing controver- other groups), promoting of portrayed Mandela in cinema peace achievements had by sies), while British Prime Min- the Nelson Mandela day, and and television. However, these Nelson (including the 1993 No- ister David Cameron and his the preservation of the Nelson depictions of the personage of bel Peace Prize), the man with predecessor, Tony Blair, looked Mandela Centre of Memory will Mandela are hardly a testament the middle name of “Rolihlahla” on. Additionally, Zimbabwean staunchly upkeep the practical- to the man himself. (which means “troublemaker” President Robert Mugabe at- ities of Mandela past the new The problem with writing an in the South African dialect of tended amidst discussions day. focus The Lakewood Times 4 Illustration by Maggie Jawhari Lakewood’s Auxiliary Police: bringing the voluntary brass

By Veronica Gordon Everyone has seen one of Lakewood’s police at some time or other, either at an event or just patrolling in their squad car. Not many, however, are aware that many of the major events in Lakewood that we know and love are supported by Lakewood’s Auxiliary Police Unit, who are volunteer policemen that have been serving the city for many years. The members of the Auxiliary Police have been a vital asset to both the Police Depart- ment and the community. In an average year, the group provides more than 3,000 community service hours to Lakewood. At major events, they assist with duties such as direct- ing traffic and controlling crowds, and can be spotted alongside Lakewood Police at events including Earth Day, the Fourth of July Pa- rade and Fireworks, the Lakewood Arts Fes- tival, and other annual events such as running events and band concerts. On a high school level, they often supervise at Lakewood’s football games. Anyone interested in acting as an officer can apply when 18 years of age, having to go through an application and background check process. Any entrants are then granted with the Ohio Worker’s Compensation, and additionally are given uniforms and equipment. For more information, one can go to the police station (12650 Detroit Ave.) or call Lieutenant Gary Sprague at 216-529-6781. Just remember that although they don’t pre- serve your civil rights freedoms, the Auxiliary Police do protect some of our youths from un- desirable circumstances make public events more benevolent.

February 2014 All photos courtesy of onelakewood.com focus 5 The pie of freedom What freedom means to us at LHS

By Ashley Hirsch

“Freedom means individualism, it al lows us to be ourselves. To truly be who we want to be, and not having to- act like everyone else. Even though sometimes we try and be some one we’re not, just to fit in with the crowd.” -sophomore Angel Rodrieguez

“To be able to express yourself.” -sophomore Shelby Hurd “Feeling of being safe and protected.” -Science teacher Marian Sarnowski

“To pursue happiness and your dreams.” “Freedom to set goals for -Math teacher Kaitlyn Ackerman yourself that you can’t be denied fromCooper achieving.” -English teacher Gray

6 focus The Lakewood Times Black History Month: a history By Brandon Reid Most students remember celebrating or State celebrated the first ever Black History Lakewood post offices, schools, and gov- participating in Black History Month when month, the government officially recogniz- ernmental posts were closed, along with a we were in elementary/middle school, but ing it in 1976. multitude of banks. did you really know why you were doing it? Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first During Black History Month there are all Some people would say to it’s to recognize proposed in 1968, four days following his types of events that can be going on in the African-Americans for what they have ac- assasination, by Congressman John Cony- community. Starting Feb. 2, the Rock and complished, but it’s much more than that. ers, a Michigan Democrat whose appeal Roll Hall of Fame will be hosting a special Black History Month officially started in for a commemorative holiday was stunted film seriesDouble Exposure: African Ameri- 1970 but before that was an event called until petitions with millions of signatures can Music on Film that will cover the role of “Negro Week.” Carter G. Woodsoon found- came zooming into Washington. It took African Americans on rock and roll. If you ed Negro Week and decided that it would some 15 years to have the bill enacted, but want to catch one of these films they will take place during the second week of Feb- was done so during the Reagan admin- be screened in the Rock Hall’s Foster The- ruary. Woodsoon picked this date because istration in 1983—the annual placement ater and for an amazing price of free,that it marked the birthdays of President Abra- of the holiday (the third Monday in Janu- is if you have a reservation. The hall also ham Lincoln and African-American abo- ary) was decided to appease those who hosted an event on Jan. 20 (Martin Luther litionist Frederick Douglas. At first, Black thought the holiday held too high a prox- King Jr. Day) honoring the aforementioned History Month was only a week but was imity to Christmas and New Years. The civil rights advocate. More events can be first proposed to be a month long event by day, although for many a break from work, found on cleveland.com, with other hap- the “Black United Students” at Ohio’s own is actually intended to strike up the spirit penings popping up during the month. Kent State University. One year later Kent of work, although this year Cleveland and

Persons such as W.E.B. Dubois, Harriet Tubman, Booker T. Washington, and the more contemporary Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X, cultivated the foundation for February’s alter-ego, Black History Month. Photo courtesy of WDDE 91.1 FM

February 2014 focus 7 Ranger 360: working to prevent abuse in Lakewood’s schools

By Veronica Gordon Dating violence is a topic that may have been considered taboo in pervious years, but it now has become an issue that must be addressed. With almost 72 percent of eighth and ninth graders dating (according to loveisrespect.org), the number of student affected by dating violence is only growing. In the United States alone, almost 1.5 million high school students have suffered abuse in a one-year time period. As the numbers show, it is time that action is taken to reduce these cases and provide support for victims. As February, or Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, arrives, the issue is one that should come into light. The two main reasons that dating violence is occurring without collective force against it is because of lack of awareness and lack of appropriate legislation against the crime. As of 2013, eight states in the U.S. do not include dating violence in their definition of domestic violence. Due to this fact, students who are victims are not given to opportunity to apply for, or possess, a restraining order. The state of Ohio, however, does recognize that sexual assault is a large part of domestic violence and must be treated in the same seri- ousness. Even when the law holds the proper consequences for dating violence, only 33 percent of victims have told anybody about the abuse. Two of the main reasons teens keep the abuse to themselves are confusion of the laws in their state and their desire for privacy and confidentiality. The Ranger 360 Program kicked off in 2013 and continues to work with the school district in an effort to work with victims of dating violence and sexual assault. The Lakewood City Schools District was given a grant from the US Department of Justice, specifically the Of- fice on Violence Against Women, that was used to create a program that would allow everything from dating violence to domestic violence to be addressed on a personal and safe level. The program operates in partnership with the Domestic Violence and Child Advocacy Center, the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, and the Lakewood Police Department. “Our main goal is to educate students, teachers, and staff about how to handle the situation if a loved one comes to them and wants to discuss how they might be victim of abuse,” explains Katie Kurtz, one of the repre- sentatives of Ranger 360. Although the doors of Ranger 360 are always open to talk (with the office located next to the Athletics Office in the high school), the program is more focused on reaching out and working with loved ones, so victims will be able to confide in people they trust who will be able to help them. With this method of outreach, Ranger 360 is intent on raising awareness throughout Lakewood’s schools, and making sure students realize that violence and abuse occurs more commonly than they think, and that the people who are experiencing it or are survivors are not alone. The main message the program is striving to get across is prevention. Through its partnership and involvement in the Lakewood High School Race and Diversity Club, Club Identity, and focus groups in the middle schools, Ranger 360 has a strong start on spreading this message, and they planning on becoming even more involved this school year. Dating violence and abuse is very difficult subject to address, and people who haven’t experienced it know nothing of what victims go through. Regardless of the obstacles, Ranger 360 is taking the challenge to spread the promise of prevention and make Lakewood a community that is actively fighting against dating violence and domestic violence.

Contact Information: Katie Kurtz (Cleveland Rape Crisis Center): (216) 227-5955 Email: [email protected] Abby McGinty (Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center (216) 529-4358 Email: [email protected]

Photos courtesy of the author 8 news The Lakewood Times America’s top five TV shows of 2013 By Kelton Greenwood In the year of 2013, the most successful TV shows caught the eye of many Americans throughout the country. Here are the top ten TV series that were aired on TV and received the most viewers, according to TV Guide.

The show ranked number one in America is ‘’NCIS’’ on CBS, with over 21.6 million viewers. This show is about a police force that revolves around a fictional team of undercover #1 agents from the Naval Criminal Service, which investigates naval and marine investigation on CBS.

Photo courtesy of cbs.com

“SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL’’ was America’s favorite past time sport on NBC, with 21.0 million viewers during the #2 football season. The weekly television broadcast of Sun- day evening National Football League games on NBC began airing on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2006.

Photo courtesy of nbcsports.com

“THE BIG BANG THEORY’’ is an American sitcom airing on CBS. The show is centered on five characters that live in Pasa- dena, California. These five roommates are equally geeky and #3 socially awkward. The roommates help each other in life situations throughout the show, while this show accumulated 19.0 million viewers.

Photo courtesy of cbs.com “NCIS: LOS ANGELES’’ is aired on CBS with 17.5 million viewers. This show is filled with investigations with the mili- tary and navy and has the same setting as the first TV se- #4 ries ‘’NCIS’’ that spinned the wheels of success for this TV show.

Photo courtesy of cbs.com “PERSON OF INTEREST’’ is an American crime drama television series broadcasting on CBS. It is based on a screenplay #5 developed by Jonathan Nolan. The series revolves around a former CIA officer hired by a millionaire to investigate personal cases. This show had 16.2 million weekly viewers for the entire season.

Photos courtesy of the author Photo courtesy of cbs.com February 2014 news 9 The Lakewood Project:

By Matt Morgensterna musical Manhattan The storied, as Sir Paul McCartney may anoint it, “Rockestra” of Lakewood High School, the Lakewood Project (otherwise known as “LP”), is a unique blend of rock and themes with sprinklings of additional orchestral oddities, from Beethoven to the Beatles to Da’Funk. Unlike Travis Hafner, this project has enjoyed consistent success since its inception in 2003. LP needs hardly any introduction, but the group’s rigor is simply paraphrased in the hushed murmurings of late-night practice sessions and bombastic July performances, equipped with pyrotechnics and snazzy uniforms. These musical paradigms are maintained by, as senior Max Mulready described it, “There is a ‘double string quartet’ of electric violins, violas, and cellos up front, then an acous- tic section of three of each instrument [with a grand total of 15 members]…a standard rhythm section made up of keyboards, guitars, basses, and drums/percussion. Obviously the rhythm section isn’t something you would see normally see in an orchestra (save the inclusion of a piano), but equally surprising is the electric section…also allowing their sound to be run through a pedal board.” The aforementioned rehearsals and subsequent performances are readily fused as a result of a fluid process. As Mulready stated, “[LP and Orchestra director Beth Hankins] more or less moderates the rehearsals and gives some direction usually to the string players, but for most of the individual work, co-members will collaborate and share ideas, and I think that’s what makes for a successful group.” Hankins’ main reasoning for leading the activities, she said, is, “Watching my students explore musical ideas, making decisions, and playing from the heart.” LP’s most recent showcase was on Jan. 25, with a centralized theme of the Beatles (the show was entitled “Come Together” a song from the group’s album Abbey Road, whose infamous “Golden Slumbers Medley” was played in its entirety, as well as “Paperback Writer”, “Something” , and an enrapturing “Hey Jude”) and featured selections from other prominent 60’s entities such as the Zombies (“Time of the Season”), the Beach Boys (“Surfin’ Safari”), The Who (“Baba O’Riley”) plus the Mama’s and the Papa’s (“California Drea- min’”), along with video recollections of Woodstock and The Beatles’ “Ed Sullivan Show” performance. Additionally, a host of Motown songs (from the aforementioned label finding its key successes in 70’s and 80’s Los Angeles, responsible for the popularization of such artists as Marvin Gaye and the Jackson Five) from “Stand by Me” by Ben E. King and covered by John Lennon, Otis Redding, Led Zeppelin, and Jimi Hendrix, to The Temptations’ “My Girl”, which has seen incarnations bred by the Rolling Stones, Smokey Robinson, and Redding as well. The concert, a smashing supposition, was one of the Beatles tribute per annum consecrated by LP that worked with the tribute band to the Fab Four, Hard Days Night. Last May, a coalition of LP persons past and present coagulated to perform in a joint-effort. Come this May, there shall be another concert by such means on the 17th, and moreover a demonstration comes the fourth of July, as per usual. Conclusively, the affairs of LP are secretive, yet in ways all great recordings are done in exclusivity. Although no televised appearances or studio salutes are enacted, according to Hankins, there is still a merry sentiment to endorse the society. So thus it stands the reputability of LP. As Hankins declaratively put, “I strongly encourage people to come and listen. The Lakewood Project concerts are a lot of fun and we thrive on audience participation,” and as a person with Grammy-derived credulity, “Carolina on My Mind” singer-songwriter James Taylor said, “I believe musicians have a duty, a responsibility to reach out, to share your love or pain with others.”

From Lakewood Park to the Civic, the hottest of summers to the coldest of winters...the Lakewood Project. Photos courtesy of Randy Varcho 10 life The Lakewood Times To do: New Years’ resolutions By Ashley Hirsch

Good intentions are what New Year’s resolutions are all about. There are the usual kind, such as los- ing weight, getting more organized, or learning something new. But as the weeks go by, we find ourselves less engaged in following through with it as we had been when we first made the resolution. But why? Why are we soeas- ily pulled back into our old ways? Are resolutions doomed to fail, or is something else keeping us from attaining our goals? According to researchers, the reason why many times our resolutions don’t stick is because people bite off more than they can chew. When we set these goals, but don’t know the proper way to accomplish them. We have desire for instant satis- faction. We want to lose weight, and we want to lose it now. But it doesn’t quite work like that. Making a major lifestyle changes requires a good deal of patience, commitment and determination—lots of it. And when we don’t immediately see progress, we tend to get frustrated and give up. “People need to ask themselves why they need to do that resolution,” said Cleveland resident Robert McCutcheon. “And how it’s going to help make themselves a better person.” If we want to accomplish our resolutions, we need to start by setting realistic goals. If you’ve never done something before and are trying it for the first time, don’t aim too high. It’s better to focus on small, attainable goals rather than on big, unrea- sonable goals. Changing your routine can bring different results. Instead of trying the same thing over and over again, expecting a different outcome, people need to adjust their behaviors. Making a resolution without a plan of is like taking a road trip without a map. Without an actual strategy, you’re bound to lose focus. It’s really important to have a specific plan of how you are going to accomplish your goals. When setting targets, use the SMART acronym--specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time- specific. Specifically, what are you going to do so that you can measure and track your goal over time? But as the months roll by, chances are you may slip up once or twice during this process. It’s OK if you momentarily stray from your goals, but don’t dwell on your mistakes. Just pick yourself back up and keep going. It’s important to deal with failures by getting back on track and continuing along your journey. According to research, 70 percent of successful goal-setters said that their first slip actually strengthened their resolutions. But most importantly, have fun when reaching your goal. Try doing activities that are going to keep you motivated and engaged so you’re more likely to reach your goal. If you force yourself to do something you know you’ll hate, you’ll never follow through with it. And you’re more likely to give up sooner.

February 2014 life 11 By Robert Searles

People everywhere wake up every morn- feine affect one’s body is, well, it stimu- example, the effects of caffeine are not as ing and continue to do their daily routines. lates one’s nervous system. The result effective in regular coffee drinkers as oc- Whether it’s splashing water on your face or of the caffeine in coffee makes the body casional coffee drinkers. some other routine that one would usually more energized. Depending on how much “It tastes good, it keeps me awake, and have, everyone has a routine whether they intake of coffee, it can even help men- the varieties of coffee are endless,” said know it or not. One routine that has stayed tal performance, which may be why so Roberson tradition for probably the longest time is many students these days consume so According to coffeeandhealth.org, cof- theThe classic caffeine drink science coffee. Not only is much coffee. Accordingof to coffee a recent poll fee has been linked to reduce the risks of coffee a tradition, but it has so many forms by The Lakewood Times, 38 percent of developing type two diabetes, developing that will pretty much fit anybody’s taste. voters said that they didn’t drink coffee at gallstones, a range of liver diseases, and From frappes to the plain black coffee, all, 25 percent said that they drink more some forms of cancer. However, many of the substance is everywhere. The myster- than five cups of coffee in a week, 20 per- the acids in coffee can irritate the lining of ies of coffee and caffeine have resulted in cent said that they drink one to two cups ones stomach, which can cause problems many studies and how it affects the body. in one week, and 17 percent said that in your stomach such as ulcers. On many There are so many different ways that they drink three to five cups in one week. instances, people have reported that cof- coffee affects your body. Some of them “I'll be honest; it's addictive!” said fee has given them heartburn. can be bad and some of them can be Junior Grace Roberson. “Freshman Although coffee does have some nega- good. Coffee even has a lot of miscon- year I started drinking it to stay up late tive side effects, coffee seems like it has ceptions about it as well. Like the fact that for studying and cramming home- more positive side effects than negative some people believe that coffee is not work. Then it became a habit. My mom ones. Not to mention coffee isn’t for every- healthy, when actually three to five cups makes it every morning so it's always one. Some people may not like how cof- of coffee fits well in a healthy diet. Cof- available, and I've been drinking Star- fee makes them feel. It doesn’t hurt to try it fee contains the stimulant caffeine, which bucks for years.” explained Roberson. though, especially since there are so many can be found in many plants such as co- Studies have shown that the caffeine different types of coffee. coa beans. Caffeine also occurs naturally in coffee can enhance memory. However, “I'd rather drink coffee than alcohol be- in these plants. The way coffee and caf- high intake of coffee can decrease perfor- cause there are fewer consequences,” said mance because of over-stimulation. For Roberson.

12 life The Lakewood Times Oh, the places you’ll find sip! Photos courtesy of buzzfeed.com, toxel.com, and etsy.com Klub Korner!

By Jacklyn Voll Lakewood High School has a variety of different clubs. H2O is one of the clubs that helps other people in the community. H2O stands for “Help to others.” H20, “Help to Others” Vanessa Lange and Emmie Hutchi- son run H2O. They meet every Friday morning at 7:30 in the L-Room. The H2O office is right outside the L-Room to sign up for volunteer projects if you couldn't make a meeting or if you want to ask questions about H2O or the volunteer projects. H2O is a teen volunteer based club. The club is in the middle schools also, but the volunteers mostly come from the high school- the middle schools make a lot of the crafts for various things H2O helps out with. The middle schoolers help make cards for veter- ans, or make prizes for little fairs like Pumpkin Palooza. Over the summer, H2O holds a summer camp for sixth-ninth graders. There are four sessions each of the sessions is two weeks long. The high school volunteers are the camp counselors and they each get a group LHS students cooking peppermint bark for last year’s Light Up Lakewood. citizens who can't afford all their of middle schoolers that they are in groceries for the month. They also charge of at the volunteering site. Dur- do “My Best Friend’s Bowl” which ing the day the different groups go to gives families pet food for their ani- various sites. Some of the places they mal if they are having a hard time can go are the Cleveland Foodbank, supporting it. H2O helps out with disabled senior citizens’ homes to gar- the LCAC holiday food delivery den, or they can help prepare for the when it comes around. The LCAC Clothes 4 Kids back to school clothing holiday food delivery helps out the sale or help recycle the used school less fortunate families by giving the supplies. family food for the holiday. They There are many volunteer oppor- also helped out with Light up Lake- tunities through H2O. In the fall there wood by having the volunteers go is senior leaf raking. They also go to to different booths. the Cleveland FoodBank, Medwish H2O is a good club if you like International-which is packaging used volunteering and helping your medical supplies, that gets sent to oth- community out. Even if you have a er countries that need them, Addition- busy schedule H2O has many op- ally they go to the Ronald McDonald portunities to help out. If you have once a month. To go to any of these been wanting to get more involved places you have to fill out a permission and help out your community H2O form and the space is limited. is a great place to start. One Friday a month they go to the Westerly and deliver food to the senior

Photos courtesy of H2O’s Facebook page and the Lakewood Observer February 2014 life 13 Michelle Knight: how the Castro victim soldiered on during her domestic imprisonment By Mackenzie Rivera Four: Knight credits DeJesus for sav- On Aug. 22, 2002, Michelle Knight was bedroom upstairs that had an old T.V in the ing her life. Knight says she was allergic abducted—she was on her way to an ap- room. While in this room she would watch to mustard and Castro forced her to eat pointment about custody for her two-year- Amanda Berry’s mom pleading for her to two sandwiches that had mustard on them old son. She was at the local dollar store return back to home. “It would hurt be- and when she would eat them her throat when Ariel Castro asked her if she needed cause I knew my family didn’t care. And to would close up. “When this was happen- a ride because he overheard that she need- see that her mother actually cared for her, I ing I told Gina that I could see the light ed help. Knight got into the car, and Castro wanted her to be my mom because I knew and she would pick me up in her arms said he had puppies give to her and her my family wasn’t there.” and tell me to come back, your son needs son. As they approached Castro’s house, Two: Castro would force Knight to pre- you. Your son loves you,” said Knight. he asked her if she wanted to come in and pare the torture room. Knight said, “I had Five: Berry was Castro’s favorite. The pick one out. After finding out that there to drill holes in the wall to put the chains ten years while the three girls were there, were no puppies, before she knew it she through to hook us together.” Knight had gotten pregnant multiple times. was tied up on a wall by her neck and body. Three: She was the most hated one in Each time while she was pregnant, Cas- At this moment, Knight thought she would the house. Knight said she was the one tro would cause a miscarriage because never be able to get back out and get back who took most of the abuse. She said, “I he didn’t want a brunette to have his son. to her son. was the most hated one because he knew She said Berry was totally treated different, “He got so angry, when he found out I he couldn’t break me.” Knight also says possibly because Castro was obsessed wasn’t a thirteen year old prostitute,” says she would jump in front of DeJesus to pro- with blondes. Knight. At this time she was 21 years old. tect the young one from Castro’s attacks. “When he found out he would beat me, rape me, and whip me.” In the first few months that Michelle had been in the basement, Michelle would be able to loosen the chains and try to escape. Every time Knight would try to escape Castro would return and she would try to put the chains back on as tight as they were. Around Christmas time, Castro would tell Knight that her son was spending Christmas with another family. Knight said it was her son’s voice that she heard telling her not to give up and to keep fighting and that’s what kept her alive. “I wanted to let my son know that his voice kept me alive and I want him to know me as a victor, not a victim,” says Knight. On May 6, 2013, Knight, Gina DeJe- sus, and Amanda Berry all escaped from Castro’s home. Berry was kidnapped in April 2003, the day before her 17th birth- day. DeJesus was kidnapped in April 2004. Castro pleaded guilty to more than 900 criminal counts that included kidnapping, rape, and aggravated murder. Castro was sentenced to life in prison plus 1,000 years in prison and did not receive parole. Then Knight bravely appeared on “Dr. Phil.” At the end of the program, Knight said, “It’s sad … that she did not mention us, maybe she was angry at everything, life, things that went on in that house. May- be Berry wasn’t thinking about me and the others when she escaped.” During this in- terview with Dr.Phil, Michelle said that she learned five things. One: Castro would taunt Knight about her family. When Knight was taken out of her basement he would take her to a

14 life Knight speaking to Castro on the day of his conviction. Photo Thecourtesy ofLakewood yahoo.com Times Michelle Knight: how the Castro victim Stress: the universal language soldiered on during her domestic imprisonment of students By Veronica Gordon As many of us realized when we reached son’s life, including school, family, and country in an effort to improve the school high school, there is a much higher aca- friends, some stress cannot be avoided. systems. “Education is key,” explained Hol- demic performance expected of us. Class- But excessive worry can ultimately lead to lande in a speech at Paris’s Sorbonne Uni- es, especially before midterms and finals, anxiety, aggression, withdrawal, or physi- versity last year. “An education program is, by definition, a societal program. Work should be done at school, rather than at home.” Hollande’s main reason behind the proposed ban is because he recognizes that many students with a bad life at home do not have a good working environment, along with supporting parents that would spend the time to help them. Although these efforts to ban homework, therefore lowering ad- olescent stress, has given some a new perspective on education, it hasn’t altered America’s opinion in any noticeable way. The gar- gantuan amounts of homework continue on. In today’s society, it seems as though everything is dependent on academic success, and many students feel as if they are only as good as their grade. And, according to a study by the Wall Street Journal, school-related stress can actually harm a student’s learning abilities, including lack of attentiveness and being able to stay on task. Solving the issue of stress is one that falls to both the education system and the students themselves. As The Wall Street Journal suggests, it may be time for America’s teachers to start finding way to reduce the excessive amount of strain on students. But students can try to ease the stress on a personal level, pos- can become quite a handful. Teachers in cal illness. Many teens also try to alter or sibly by changing how they manage their every class seem to forget, or disregard, lower their stress level by turning to alcohol time, taking classes they know they can that every student has other classes, along or illegal drugs, which have proven to be handle, and taking breaks when they be- with other obligations. Half of the time there unsuccessful tactics (according to mental- come frustrated doing homework. just seems like there is too much school healthscreening.org). work to handle, and students become in- Due to the reality that academic success creasingly stressed. According to teenhelp. can be very trying, and potentially men- com, 68 percent of students feel stressed tally harmful, to students, some countries out because of school work, and a total of are trying solve the problem and save their Illustration by Maggie ten percent of students are diagnosed with teen’s sanity. In late 2013, French President Jawhari an anxiety disorder. François Hollande proposed that home- With everything that goes on in a per- work should be banned throughout the February 2014 life 15 The Phoenix's Ashtray

Our section “The Phoenix’s Ashtray” is a compatriot to LHS’s literary publication, The Phoenix. In every issue we aim to showcase unseen poetic and short-story persons of the high school that don’t always own their own soapboxes. If you’d like to be a contributor in a future issue, send an email of composed works to [email protected] or converse with Mr. Ebner in B207 for more details. This issue’s contributor is junior Emily Houska, a participant of Poetry Slam “Time” and president of the LHS drama group the Barnstormers. A single day Just a moment Mere seconds “Dead Poets Remembered” A world turned upside down A feeling of helplessness “Oh Captain, my Captain” as you watch it all he says, Change Fall apart “Carpe Diem” There is nothing to be done he says, No way to fix it, Left alone with Day after day Confusion Living the same Life Denial Grief, Until one man Days decided to say “no.” Weeks Months Why not change? pass with little progress Why not enjoy that change? Still feeling that emptiness Words of others mean nothing. Spontaneous Prose; You won’t realize it write your thoughts Not until much time has passed, Things will change disregard grammar, They get better Christ needed to die Time heals More than one can possibly know to open up the minds of the Unfaithful... Like Phoenix tears on an open wound does it heal Things will never be the same But change isn’t bad Just different

16 literature The Lakewood Times The Phoenix's Ashtray “Unleased Liberty” It comes in different shapes and sizes Put in different perspectives “Strings” Used to validate one of two right sides Passionate Prohibited by many “Time” Yet, Graceful Encouraged by the same The Freedom to do anything A single day The sounds of Angels Plain and Simple Yet, There are different alternatives Just a moment Intricate and Complex different substitutes Mere seconds Individually sculpted There can never exist Absolute Freedom A world turned upside down of skills and improvement Only by the Gods A feeling of helplessness ‘Practice’ dominates as you watch it all does it truly exist The contrast is beautifully articulated There is no right and wrong Change High an Low rather, general acceptance and minori- Fall apart in perfect Harmony ties There is nothing to be done Hard work Shown in different lights No way to fix it, Numerous calluses Manipulated by many Left alone with Frustrating syncopations But, Confusion Key changes does one need absolute freedom? All pay off, Can it only destroy? Denial Where’s the fun Grief, Celestial Sounds Heavenly Melodies in no limitations, Days in no restrictions Create Feelings Weeks A game with no obstacles Moments Take these obstacles Months Opportunities to reflect pass with little progress and own them A story is being told If you can’t yourself of them Still feeling that emptiness One is Wisdom and Illusion then use them to your benefit Words of others mean nothing. Chords become dialogue The amount of Freedom You won’t realize it Solos turn into monologues that we are granted Not until much time has passed, Accidentals become details immense possibilities Things will change Crescendo into a Climax countless opportunities They get better Then a downfall Dream Big Be Somebody Time heals Ritardando Yet, undoubtedly craving more No restraints More than one can possibly know Remove the shackles of that pessimis- Wishing there to be a repeat Like Phoenix tears on an open wound tic mindset At a loss without such beauty does it heal You have the freedom to be anything if to be absorbed so desired Things will never be the same to be taken in But change isn’t bad with Dedication Until and with Perseverance Just different At last Finè February 2014 literature 17 Not 1984: Orwell holds no place in new 2014 selections

By Emily Suleiman It’s 2014, that’s right, a new year with an equally new opportunity to lace up the literary moccasins and step heartily on some new novels! Evertrue by Brodi Ashton After rescuing Jack, all Nikki wanted was her life back. She wanted to graduate and live happy, but with the previous betrayals of Cole, Nikki realizes that she needs to trust him in order to return the fate handed to her that wasn’t meant to be. Now that Nikki has rescued Jack, all she wants is to be with him and graduate high school. But Cole tricked Nikki into feeding off him, and she’s begun the process of turning into an Everliving herself... which means she must feed on a Forfeit soon — or die. Terrified for her survival, Nikki and Jack begin a desperate attempt to reverse the process using any means possible. Even Cole, who they expected to fight them at every turn, has become an unlikely ally — but how long can it last? Nikki needs to feed on Cole to survive, Cole needs Nikki to gain the throne in the Everneath, Jack needs Nikki because she is everything to him — and together, they must travel back to the Underworld to undo Nikki’s fate and make her mor- tal once more. But Cole isn’t the only one with plans for Nikki—the Queen has not forgotten Nikki’s treachery, and she wants her destroyed for good. Will Nikki be forced to spend eternity in the Underworld, or does she have what it takes to bring down the Everneath once and for all? From the novel, “In this stunning conclusion to the Everneath trilogy, Brodi Ashton evokes the resiliency of the human spirit and the indomitable power of true love.”

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pictures, happiness, and genuine affection...all at lakewoodtimes.net! 18 opinion The Lakewood Times Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi A dystopian love triangle. This is not the Hunger Games but the conclusion Not : Orwell holds no of the Shatter Me series of novels by Tahereh Mafi. With romance and plenty 1984 of humor to keep you on your toes, Ignite Me is the third and final entry in the aforementioned trilogy. Tahareh Mafi ends it with war. An epic battle, a few deaths, and the winner of course. As part of one the most anticipated books of 2014, Mafi doesn’t upset her fans. place in new 2014 selections This is the heart-stopping conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Shat- ter Me series, which Ransom Riggs, bestselling author of Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, called "a thrilling, high-stakes saga of self-discov- ery and forbidden love" Juliette now knows she may be the only one who can stop the Reestab- lishment. But to take them down, she'll need the help of the one person she never thought she could trust: Warner. And as they work together, Juliette will discover that everything she thought she knew-about Warner, her abilities, and even Adam-was wrong. From the novel, “In Shatter Me, Tahereh Mafi created a captivating and origi- nal story that combined the best of dystopian and paranormal and was praised by Publishers Weekly as ‘a gripping read from an author who's not afraid to take risks..’The sequel, Unravel Me, blew readers away with heart-racing twists and turns, and New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia said it was ‘dangerous, sexy, romantic, and intense.’ Now this final book brings the series toa shocking and climactic end.” Infinite by Jodi Meadows

The trilogy that everyone wanted is everything and is released, the wait is over and Infinite by Jodi Meadows is out. Readers that recently just finished it the same day they bought it have their mind blown with the awesome cover and the goodies that are inside. From the novel, “DESTRUCTION The Year of Souls begins with an earthquake—an alarming rumble from deep within the earth—and it’s only the first of greater dangers to come. The Range caldera is preparing to erupt. Ana knows that as Soul Night approach- es, everything near Heart will be at risk. FLIGHT Ana’s exile is frightening, but it may also be fortuitous, especially if she can convince her friends to flee Heart and Range with her. They’ll go north, seeking answers and allies to stop Janan’s ascension. And with any luck, the newsouls will be safe from harm’s reach. CHOICE The oldsouls might have forgotten the choice they made to give them- Sports scores, opinion pieces, Lakewood news, selves limitless lifetimes, but Ana knows the true cost of reincarnation. What she doesn’t know is whether she’ll have the chance to finish this one sweet life with Sam, especially if she returns to Heart to stop Janan once and for all. and more, i.e. gigabytes, megabytes, trilobytes, staff profiles, With gorgeous romance and thrilling action, the final book in the Incarnate trilogy offers a brilliant conclusion to the compelling questions of this fascinat- ing world, where one new girl is the key to the lives of millions.” earlier print editions, daily announcements, links to Moodle and Progressbook and student-email, cloud accessibilities, polls, email updates, For Ana, she has to make a choices but all she needs is a little more strength can she pull through it? There is only one way to find out, by reading it!

pictures, happiness, and genuine affection...all at lakewoodtimes.net! February 2014All photos courtesy of Goodreads opinion 19 “Oh, how sweet it is!” Campbell’s Sweets lives up to its name By Emily Skeans Just two months ago on Nov. 5, Camp- ed to check out their website to see what and making of the wonderful popcorn that bell’s Sweets opened up its newest store in they were all about. My mouth was water- they serve. Lakewood. This makes three stores all to- ing with how amazing everything sounded. One thing that I hate the most is going gether. It was originally supposed to open Once I saw the prices, I thought that I would to buy something and not knowing if I’m up in the summer, but there were some never go there. However, recently I decided actually going to like it, especially when it set-backs causing them to have to hold off. against it and made a trip up there. As soon comes to food. At Campbell’s Sweets, they Everything at Campbell’s Sweets Factory is as you walk in, the workers there make you have a whole wall of their fun flavored pop- homemade. feel welcome and make sure that you get corn for costumers to try. This is great so After hearing about this new gourmet what you need. I didn’t even have to ask people can get a taste of what they are go- popcorn shop from a few people, I decid- any questions for them to tell me all about ing to be buying. Their most famous gour- the history met popcorn, the dichotomy popcorn, is a mix between a crunchy caramel and a pre- mium cheese flavor. This sweet and salty popcorn is to die for. They also have flavors ranging from garlic parmesan to peanut butter drizzle. There’s a flavor for everyone to fall in love with. Not only do they have great tasting popcorn, but they have the greatest cupcakes around. The best time to get a cupcake is on the weekends because that’s when they make the most cupcake flavors. They also have various items hand dipped in chocolate, such as oreos, pretzels, buckeyes, and truffles. Campbell’s also includes fresh baked cookies and many different caramel apples to choose from. One of these caramel apples is covered in chocolate and peanut butter and is known as the Buckeye Apple. I was wrong about the pricing of their products. You get the quality that you pay for and it is well worth it. You’d be crazy to not check out Campbell’s Sweets Factory.

(Top) chocolate-coated pretzel sticks, complete with multiple lacings and candied treats. (Right) chocolate drizzled popcorn. Photos courtesy of campbellssweets.com 20 lkwd life The Lakewood Times El Carnicero “Oh, how sweet it is!” Lakewood’sBy Aaron Morit new(ish) Mexican restaurant Campbell’s Sweets lives up to its name

Just last year, a new Mexican restau- The El Carnicero location on Detroit. Photo courtesy ofvariety El Carnicero’s of vegetarian official website menu choices. There waiting for my food to be served rant was brought to Lakewood’s west side is also an array of expensive alcoholic Making my food was interesting, but in late August-El Carniceros. Located on drinks, but none of us are old enough for not something I wasn’t open to. As I ate, Detroit Ave., El Carniceros has had a lot of that. I enjoyed the layout of the place. The success. Williams is a firm believer in mak- walls were adorned with old newspaper Translated, “El Carnicero” means “the ing things fresh. In the cleveland.com clippings from wrestling matches as well butcher”, and is a play on words, referenc- article,Williams said, “We make everything as luchador masks. Even posters from ing the meats on the menu as well as a from scratch everyday. If that means mak- luchador themed movies were displayed. famed luchador, a Mexican wrestler, who ing three batches of tamales in one day, The servings were very nice as I had performed under the moniker. Throughout then that’s what we’re doing. That’s what plenty of pork or salsa to put on my torti- Carniceros, luchador mask are hung about I’m here for.” llas as I pleased. The pork had a nice spice the space on the walls. Going into its sixth month of business, to it, which wasn’t overwhelming but still Eric Williams, chef-owner of El Car- El Carniceros hopes to keep competing provided a nice kick. The salsa verde was niceros is already known for his other re- against other already established Mexican/ tangy and provided a nice contrast to the nowned Cleveland restaurants, Momocho, Hispanic restaurants such as El Cozumel, pork. and Happy Dog. Williams said, “Lakewood El Barroco, Barrios and El Jalapenos. The corn tortillas were served in a con- was good spot for my latest venture,” in a As mentioned before, the menu at El tainer so that they were still warm. This cleveland.com article by Cathy Phillips. Carniceros consists of street/snack foods however wasn’t the case as sometimes as Where Carniceros is currently located that are common in Latin America. This they had cooled of already upon reaching is what used to be McCarthy’s Ale House. includes taquitos, tamales, and antojitos the table. According to the cleveland.com article, which are you can add on to you entre. After completing my meal, I believe that Williams said the new place provides more I went with what I knew and ordered the price was a little high for what I ordered, space as well as a larger kitchen area. the al pastor taquitos or braised pork. What especially with the rather slow service that The new restaurant hopes to bring more was interesting though, was that the way I had received. Not only did I wait a while modern, as well as classic Mexican foods they serve the food allows you to make for my food, but also the waiter very rarely to the west side. At Carniceros the menu is your own taquitos right at the table. Each of came to the table to check in. more streamlined and focuses more small the items that came with it were separated The evening was nice even with the lack bites or snack meals such as taquitos or into small serving bowls letting you to add of service and the food was good enough antojitos. what you please to each corn tortilla. that I would be willing to come back again. It also focuses on typical street snacks Luckily I had ordered some nachos, El Carniceros receives 7.5 out of 10. such as creamy corn esquites and chich- which were fresh, or I would’ve been starv- arrones. Carniceros’ menu also provides a ing for almost thirty minutes after ordering: February 2014 opinion 21 Time to get Wicked! A story that never gets old By Olivia Rinehart It’s one of those plays that you are just to most viewers. To see the friendship of ingly artistic performance form. Just one speechless about when it is over. Wicked Glinda and Elphaba come together is the look can say many words to many people. has been on Broadway for 10 years now best part. Elphaba is so inspirational to and it cannot get any better. The story has most people by the way of trying to make a similar plot to The Wizard of Oz, as it is a difference with most rules and not car- the untold story of the Wicked Witch of the ing what other people think about her. West. At some points, the play has you “This play is one of my favorite because laughing in your seat or taken back from of Glinda and Elphaba having such a good the voices of each character. Wicked was friendship,” commented an anonymous - at the State Theatre in Playhouse Square student. Many other amazing characters from Dec. 4 to Jan. 5. Luckily, I got a such as Boq, Nessarose, The Wizard, Fiye- in(Top) The Jennifer Wizard DiNioa Of Oz as Elphaba (lat er to be the Wicked Witch of the West chance to see this amazing performance. ro, and others were so well cut in the play. stop of Wicked ) in Cleveland’s- From walking right into the theater to the It was a true memory that will never be tive cast of Chicago. Photo perform courtesy a num of- view of the stage and each beautiful touch forgotten. The view of The State Theater is Playhouse Square. (Right) the seduc of the walls and the lights, it is breathtak- just unforgettable but the lighting and the ing. Wicked was humorous at some points coloring. Walking around and seeing each ber. Photo courtesy of interlude.hk with Glinda getting Elphaba all popular so amazing piece of The State Theatre and people will start liking her. The most fa- getting to see this wonderful play have been mous number that most people have a fa- a true experience. The Playhouse Theatre vorite for is “Defying Gravity. “ The voice of is something that more and more people Elphaba and her emotion is very powerful need to see as theater becomes an increas-

22 opinion The Lakewood Times Chicago razzle-dazzles Playhouse Square By Veronica Gordon The renowned Broadway production Chi- way, in 1976 and again in 1996, Chicago pect, but I was definitely not disappointed. cago returned to Cleveland’s Playhouse was nominated for 19 Tony Awards and won From the moment the first note of the open- Square theatres in January for one week a total of 6 Tonys, including “Best Perfor- ing song rang out in the hushed theater, I only, leaving every crowd that witnessed the mance of a Leading Actor” and “Best Per- knew it was going to be spectacular. The performances awe-struck. formance of a Leading Actress.” The show, singing, dancing, and acting were flawless, The musical Chicago tells the story of Rox- along with being on tour across the country but the aspect of the show I found most ie Hart, a housewife who one day dreams to multiple times since its opening in the sev- compelling was its complete lack of set. The be on the stage and in the spotlight during enties, also has been shown in major Lon- stage was completely bare, with the excep- the reign of flapper girls and gangsters that don Theatres throughout the decades. tion of the orchestra, which was positioned painted the scene of the “Roaring Twenties” The touring cast of Chicago is a stel- on a platform near the back of the stage. in urban Chicago. Her dreams take a turn lar one, and features John O’Hurley, who The absence of set really allowed the audi- for the scandalous and disastrous after her is most famous for his appearance in the ence to focus on the performers, and was lover cons her and she shoots him in a fit cast of the TV show “Seinfeld”, along with something I had never seen before. of rage. After being sent to jail, she finds “Dancing With the Stars” and hosted “Fam- Although it definitely different from the herself paired with the best defense lawyer ily Feud” for a period of time. O’Hurley, who movie version, Chicago blew my mind and in the city, Billy Flynn. Under his guidance, is playing the role of Billy Flynn on the tour, was completely captivating. The storyline she struggles to reinvent her reputation has played the same role on Broadway. He is unlike any other, and does a fantastic job as someone who had been wronged, and continued in the theatre industry while going of investigating the reasons and actions of could do no wrong. As her court date looms on tour and performing in the musical com- greed, betrayal, and revenge, making the closer, she desperately tries to manipulate edy Monty Python’s Spamalot. show one that shouldn’t be missed. both the public and media farther and far- My experience seeing Chicago was ab- ther away from the truth. But in a city filled solutely amazing. I had never seen a musical with greed and corruption, who can tell the version of the production, but I had seen the difference? movie, which was released in 2002. It is safe Between its two appearances on Broad- to say that I did not know exactly what to ex-

February 2014 opinion 23 “Game of Blames”: A look at where the finger should be pointed in the world

of sports By Aaron Morit trying to make is that it’s a bit of both When a team is faced with Average when it comes to placing blame. It’s failure or the inability to take the media as well as fans that try to the next step towards success, Longest Careers in league’s history find someone to point the finger at. one question is asked--“Who Career Length And probably the two most looked is to blame?” NBA at people in these situations is Ultimately it comes down 4.8 seasons 21 seasons Robert Parish the head coach or the best player to two groups--the players or the leader of the team who’s or the coach. Coaches typi- NFL failed to perform in big situa- cally are sometimes given 3.5 seasons 26 seasons Goerge Blanda tions (i.e. captains, all-star players). too much credit or blame and MLB When dealing with failure, sometimes they’re not given 5.6 seasons 26 seasons there’s usually a time limit for said players or coach to over- enough. Cap Anson & Nolan Ryan The same can be said for NHL come what their misfortunes. For coaches, this time has decreased players but being able to de- experts but in the5.5 playoffs seasons he hasn’t 26 seasonsreceiver each (32 oftotal) his three sea- from the mass media creating add- termine if one or the other is been able to win. sons, and Dalton has set single Gordie Howe ed pressure for teams to succeed. the cause of a team’s failure But when you look at the head coach season passing records for both Although it’s made to be this isn’t so black and white you see that he deserves some blame touchdowns and passing yards way, placing blame isn’t usually The purpose of the coach as well. Marvin Lewis is 0-5 in the play- (Bengals history). Their defense so clear-cut. It’s really the univer- is to provide the game plan, offs, which begs the question-why has been in the top ten in total sal grey area in the world of sports. build up and develop his play- has he failed to get over the hump? defense the past three seasons. ers and then make the correct It’s not because of a lack of tal- Just so I don’t keep ranting about in-game decisions. ent. A.J Green has been a Pro-Bowl my favorite team, the point I’m As for players, well they have to perform at their best in competition. In the offseason they need to work in order to improve for next season. One example that comes to my mind is my favorite NFL team, the Cincinnati Bengals. They’ve made it to the playoffs the past three seasons, led by third year quarterback Andy Dalton. Dalton in these three playoff games has thrown only one touchdown and six interceptions and his recent loss put him at 0-3. Now it could be assumed that Dalton is the cause of the Bengals woes, a team that hasn’t won a playoff game since 1990, but head coach Marvin Lewis himself is 0-5 in playoff games. So we come back to the same question-who is to blame? Dalton is surrounded by what is considered to be one of the more talented of- fenses in the NFL according to The Plain Dealer

As illustrated by Pulitzer Prize winning-editorial cartoonist Jeff Darcy of , the Browns’ consistent coaching 24 sports adventure is a tired (and speculative) one. Photo courtesy of the Northeast OhioThe Media Group Lakewood Times “Game of Blames”: Baptism by fire A look at where the finger should be pointed in the world New A.D set-to face new challenges of sports By Aaron Morit Q #1: How has your first year at Lakewood High School gone in your opinion? A: I’d say that this year has gon pretty good. I’ve been adjusting and I am preparing for the changes that are going to be made.

Q #2: Is there anything you would’ve done differently? A: Yes, some people have been unhappy with the recent decisions and events. Which is why we’re going to create and athletice advisory committee. That way people will be appointed to be advocates people from different groups or back- grounds that way they’ll be represented.

Q #3: Can you tell me any info as to what happened with the girls gymnastics team not having a bus ealier this winter and what was done about it? A: I can’t really. All I can say that it was simply a miscommunication. Besides that, there’s only been one mess up involving transportation for athletics. Be- cause of the lack of transportation, the meet was rescheduled.

Q #4: Can you tell me your side of the story as to what happened with the retirement of Ron Lewis as the head varsity football coach? Would he have been the coach next year? A:There really isn’t a side in this situation. Mr. Lewis is a good coach, a good person and a good teacher. We simply didn’t agree on certain things. I believe that because of his experience as a coach, he had a different outlook on things. If this didn’t happened, we expected him to comeback as head coach next season.

Q #5: Are you searching for a replacement for the vacant coaching spot? If so, are they andy specific candidates that you’re looking at? A: Yes, but the job opening hasn’t been posted. Mainly resources is the group that handles that. Then the super intendent is the one who appoints the position. Currently, we don’t have any specific candidates. We might ask Rob Chudsinki since he’s not coaching--he lives in Rocky River [said jokingly].

February 2014 sports 25 Sarah Neff just keeps swimming By Mackenzie Rivera and Matt Morgenstern

Senior Sarah Neff’s accomplishments are many. Neff’s logbook includeds a semifinalist spot for the Class of 2014 National Merit Scholarship, a 2014 Scholastic Arts and Writing Gold Key for her painting( plus two Honorable Mentions in 2012 for her drawing) an October Student of the Month this past year for Health, and most likely many others that are to be forgotten, but definitely not lessened. However, Neff also has underpinnings of Olympian Missy Burke within her—she’s also a prominent swimmer on the girls’ team of the sport. Last year Neff won the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:26.7., aiding the Lady Rangers in their second-place finish to Rocky River. This year, Neff , a senior captain and Varsity frequent, has proved a mentor in-and-out of the pool while participating pri- marily in breathstroke races.

Why and when did you start swimming? I started swimming in fifth grade and have done it year round ever since. I had always loved going to the pool so it seemed like a natural choice of sport.

What have been your best races (for the high school team)? Until this year, my best races were the 200 and particularly the 500 free. However, this year I swim almost exclusively breaststroke.

What were your personal and team goals this season? This season my personal goals were to improve in the breaststroke and make States in the 500. However, following two knee injuries and a concussion, I have had to lower my personal goals. For the team I hoped we would adjust well to the new coach, and since we had such a large group of incoming freshman, I hoped to help them improve and get used to the process of swim meets and practice.

Do you like where the swimming program is headed following the departure of tenured head coach Jim Stacy? After Jim left, I and several of my teammates were very wor- ried about who the new coach would be and how we would do this year. However, after meeting and swimming for the new coach, Ally Davila, I am very confident in the direction the program is heading. (Back) Neff in standby during a meet. (Front) Neff between races chatting with teamates. Photos What else do you enjoy besides swimming? courtesy of Woodard Photographic Besides swimming, I am an avid artist. I enjoy reading and playing video games in my free time as well, and my favorite subject is history.

26 opinion The Lakewood Times Grace Hinslea-Burke: By Matt Morgenstern Senior Grace Hinslea-Burke’s name demands one’s attention. Not just because of its length, but also the cavalcade of honors and achievements that have followed its three years of gymnastic competition for LHS. Hinslea-Burke’s nearly-decade long participation has yielded a multiplicity Living the life of rankings in District and State events, with the influx of success beginning with her eight and fourteenth place finishes (eventually accumulating in a 10th place grading) in the State forum as a sophomore. As a junior, the girl who trained from the Windy City to Avon Lake performed wonderfully at Sectionals gymnastic and participated in four events at Districts, unfortunately being incapacitated to participate at States as a consequence of injury.

What are your upstanding records or achievements in competition? Some of my records gained just in the years of competing high school gymnastics are Lakewood Scholar Athlete (2010-12), NOC Scholar Athlete, State qualifier and participant (2012)—in which I placed 10th all around. I received OHSAA All-District recognition and All-State recognition (2012). I’ve lettered so far all of my years competing for Lakewood and have been the team’s most valuable player.

Where did you get your start in gymnastics? [I started] in Downers Grove, Illinois, at an elite sports complex, doing rhythmic gymnastics actually before I started artistic and really through my mother, who was a former national rhythmic competitor.

What is a regular schedule in regards to practicing during the off-season? I have very little time off, so my “off season” consists of four to five days a week practicing for four hours each practice, which is basically the same schedule as the “in” season, except without any meets.

As a gymnast, who do you wish to emulate? As a gymnast I haven’t really found one specific person I’d like to emulate exactly. I have a few favorite gymnasts who I look up to, mostly because I see them overcoming certain obstacles that I face and would like to overcome as well, but not because I want to be them. Some are Nastia Liukin, Dominique Moceanu, Kyla Ross, Megan Ferguson, Alex McMurtry, Mary Jane Horth, and of course Nadia Comaneci.

Where do you hope to aspire in terms of gymnastics? If not gymnastics, then what are some other options? My hopes for gymnastics are to be happy about how I’ve done when I have to stop doing it. When I was little I had big dreams like everyone does, and reality checks happen as you stick with the sport. I’d love to do college gymnastics and I’m still working towards that goal. The sport is physically and mentally demanding of its players, but being one of the hardest sports out there, I’m so glad to be a part of it. It’s taught me a lot about myself and I love every aspect of it! If college gymnastics doesn’t work out for me I know that the gymnastics part of me will still go to competitions or choreograph routines for my younger team mates. I’m currently learning some of the requirements to become a judge. So I know I’ll always be a part of that community in some way. Outside of gymnastics I have learned a lot about strength, perseverance, dedication, confidence, and acceptance from the sport—which are skills needed to succeed at anything one pursues in life. I’m sure I will need to, and will be able to utilize these skills to get reach any goal I set for myself academically, career wise, or any other kind of way!

What are your favorite things to do other than train, compete, etc.? Hinslea-Burke finishing a tumbling routine at the Rangers’ Jan. 15 meet against One of my other favorite things to do when I’m not doing gymnastics is watch- North Royalton, Berea-Midpark, and North Olmsted. Photo courtesy of John P. ing movies. I’m a big movie buff! Additionally, I like to shoot the breeze with Mulgrew my three younger siblings but mostly spend time with my friends and family! February 2014 sports 27 Roberto Sclimenti: Sclimentimania!

By Aaron Morit Roberto Sclimenti is a senior here at Lakewood High School and has wrestled for all four years. In his high school career, Sclimenti has earned three varsity letters, with this season guaranteeing him his fourth. His best season record is 24 and 12. Sclimenti’s record is 26 and 11 (as Jan.24), and except for one, has placed at every tournament he has competed in this season.

When did you first begin wrestling? I first began wrestling in back in the third grade for the Lakewood team.

Can you highlight some of your best moments during your time as a wrestler? I’d have to say winning the tournament in Midpark last week [on Jan. 11]. Also, wrestling when I was younger because I was on the same team as my older brothers. The feeling of seeing my record improve every year that I wrestled in high school was pretty good.

Do you have any plans to wrestle after you’ve graduated from high school? No, I just want to focus on getting my school- work done when I’m in college. Also, I’m not good enough to wrestle at the college level.

Do you have any ideas as to what you want to major in or what you want to pursue as a career? I want to major in Computer Science and minor in Busi- ness Administration. With this I hope to work in the net- working field.

How has your season gone so far? Pretty good, I have placed at every tournament that I have participated in except for one and I believe my record right now is 22-11.

What goals did you have this season and have you ac- complished those? I’m looking to win a tournament and then make it to Dis- tricts, which will be going on in late February. Also, I want to have more wins than last year, which was 24.

Has wrestling prepared you for life after high school? I believe so. It’s hard work being on time. I’ve showed up late once and had to run more because of it. I’d also say that wrestling has made me mentally tougher.

Schlimenti overpowering an Avon Eagle. Photos courtesy of Woodard Photographic 28 sports The Lakewood Times Tori Milicevic: can’t spell “team” without a capital “Tori” By Mackenzie Rivera and Aaron Morit

Beginning in kindergarten, Tori Milicevic has received such accolades like the team award for Sixth Man of the Year and the West Shore Conference sportsmanship award. Milicevic has looked up to people such as her aunt who have played basketball and were able to keep playing through out the four years.

How long have you been playing basketball?

I’ve been playing basketball since I was in kindergarten

What made you start playing?

I originally started playing because my cousins did & I looked up to them so I wanted to do what they did.

What is your favorite aspect about playing?

My favorite thing about playing basketball right now is my team. I really like spending time with the girls & they’re funny & fun to be with.

What are your thoughts on the season so far?

I’m pretty happy with the season so far, I think the games we’ve lost were pretty tough on us, but we came back & worked hard to win the next game.

Your goals for the season?

Our goals for the season are to win the conference (defending champs) and to improve overall and work tougher as a unit. As a personal goal, I want to us is to get further into the postseason during the tournament.

What are some of your favorite memories?

My favorite memory is from last year on senior night when we all got cornrows. We also were able to cut the net down because we won the conference. That was just an overall fun happy night for everyone on the team.

Milicevic drives to the lane against a Midview defender. Photo courtesy of Woodard Photographic

February 2014 sports 29 Mike Angers: Protege to Dr. J By Mackenzie Rivera

Senior Mike Angers is a varsity basketball player for the varsity team at Lakewood High School. Angers first started playing basketball when he was just three years old and has been doing so ever since. He has helped Lakewood win many games and continues to make goals for the team. For the 23rd-ranked varsity squad, Angers has scored 116 points (as of Jan. 26), according to Ohio High School Sports.

Do you see yourself playing basketball in the future for college? Yes, somewhere in OAC or Division two.

What made you first start playing basketball? I was always playing in the backyard with my brother.

Who is your favorite basketball player? My favorite basketball player would be my brother. Angers (3) defends a Westlake Demon on Jan. 14. In the game, a Ranger loss, Angers had How old were you when you first started playing basket- 37 points and a school record 10-three pointers. ball? I was three years old.

How have you improved since freshman year? I have a lot more weight in my muscles and I see that I’m a lot faster.

Who is your favorite professional team? The Los Angeles Lakers.

What was one of your most comical moments while playing basketball? In the 4th grade, we were warming up and I wasn’t wearing any gym shorts only boxers and you could see them through the shorts.

Are you happy with your season so far? Yes I am. I am happy with the direction that were heading to.

What are some of your strengths and weaknesses? Some of my strengths are speed and defenses and some of my weaknesses are rebounding and jumping.

What are your goals for the season? My goal for the season is to be the West Shore MVP.

Angers being congratulated by junior teammates Wes Gerhardt (5) and Nick Porter (21) following a steal and a drawn-foul at the Jan. 14 match-up with Westlake. Photos courtesy of Joshua Gunter 30 sports The Lakewood Times Mike Angers: Protege to John Liber: Dangerous

By Matt Morgenstern Senior John Liber has been a fixture at the LHS when wet swimming pool since his joining of the team as a freshman, going through the rumored trials of early-morning Dr. J practices and wintry antics of Speedo wear. However, one of Liber’s main distinctions is the myriad of accolades he has garnered for the team during his term as a swimmer. Liber had a score of 369.3 points at the West Shore Conference meet behind LHS graduate Jim McMahan last year in route to a seventh place finish at the Dis- tricts competition, followed by a subsequent fourteenth place finish at the States tournament. Additionally, in January 2012, Liber was a staple of the Boys’ Diving squad that took first place at Lakewood’s meet, along with McMahan and fellow graduate Michael Pearl- man. Liber, one of the leading seniors on the squad, has headed a turgid diving core with additions such as juniors Robin Gruber and Allen VanHauten. This season, Liber has performed well—earning a series of first place finishes, and continues to push to better his personal record (PR), which, as of Jan.18, is 262 points.

When did you first get into diving and/or swimming? My mom made me try diving my freshman year. I’m so glad she forced me into it.

Who do you wish to emulate as an athlete? When I dive I try to emulate Zac Nees—he’s a diver that dove at Miami University (Florida) and is now on the Olympic team. He has a lot of power in his style of diving which allows him to pull off some insane dives.

Do you have any upstanding records for LHS or in competition? I don’t have any records, but one of my long-time goals has been to break [LHS alumnus] Art Rowe’s record of 293 points [in diving]. The closest I’ve come is 261 so there’s still a lot of work to be done.

What are your goals for the season? This season I’d like to come out as the WSC champion, qualify for States my second time and make the po- dium, or Top 8, at the State tournament.

Do you wish to propel your swimming further? If not, then what are some of your career choices? After this year I plan on attending John Carroll Univer- sity and diving right into NCAA competition.

Liber going up during a practice session. (Back) Liber prepares himself to dive. Photos courtesy What are your favorite activities to do outside of of Liber and Grace Latham swimming/diving? When I’m not diving I like spending time with family and friends. Also, I like caring for my dog and I enjoy playing guitar.

February 2014 sports 31 The final word By Robert Searles Freedom, over the many years, has changed into what it has grown to be today and as American citizens, freedom gives us endless opportunities to do many things. The definition of freedom is the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. We have this as Americans because of our founding fathers that created what freedom that we have today. We have things such as freedom of speech, freedom of press and freedom of religion. In this issue, we have touched on many of these subjects. As journalists, we rely on freedom, especially freedom of speech and freedom of the press. Without these freedoms that have been mentioned, there wouldn’t be any Lakewood Times, magazines, newspapers or even broadcast journalists- that deliver our daily news stories. The history of our freedom has evolved. The Constitution of the United States gives us many rights that are in place to this day. For example, the First Amendment says that“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” This amendment and all the other amendments still exist to this day and give the American people their freedom. Freedom can be taken for granted on many occasions and most people don’t appreciate the freedoms that we have been given. In this issue we hope to make people realize the freedoms that we have been given shouldn’t be taken for granted and that as Americans we are very lucky. American citizens have “God-Given” or natural rights. Everyone is born with rights in this country and everyone deserves them, with the same paradigm ringing for the rest of oppressed peoples everywhere.

Illustration by Maggie Jawhari

32 the end The Lakewood Times